As the human brain evolved, it developed parts and functions which helped our species rise above others.

Ninety percent of the human brain is contained within the folds of the cerebral cortex, also referred to as the neo-cortex because of its evolutionary youth. This vital layer of “gray matter” is only as thick as a stack of two of three dimes. But don’t be fooled by its relatively modest size. This is the brain within a brain. And, in it resides all the higher-order functions, like the capacity for abstract reasoning, which separates us from animals.

As the neo-cortex developed, humans have been able to develop languages, create ideologies and religions, write laws, and establish civilizations. This area of the brain even has the power to control our natural instinct for survival.

Because the neo-cortex is unique to human beings, it’s often called the “human brain,” and it has provided us with the ability to contemplate our most profound question: “Who am I?”

Some food for thought.